Classes... and Learnings at Mauka

In the beginning of the November I went to Nagpur, Maharashtra to attend a mid term CYC event held at Futane Farms. The main agenda of this meet was focusing on 'active citizenship' and the roles and definitions on how we as an individual define the term 'active citizenship.' It was a great time for discussions and presentations and also to catch up and see each other's journeys from the last time we all met together at Jhaltola.

In November end we also started our English classes at Mauka with the first batch of students. We initially had 10 students in two batches. Most of these students are weak in basic English so we started with fundamentals of English grammar. Also, as most students want to 'speak' English, we did focused assignments with them on spoken English where they were taught basicconversational English. I have compiled the curriculum from a mix of local English text books, assignments available on the internet as well as with the help of educational material forwarded by friends such as Naveen Jhajharia. We began with running two batches, one from 4 pm to 5 pm and then from 5 pm to 6 pm. Initially we have modeled this course on a 3 month calendar. In order to inculcate a sense of responsibility, we have decided to charge a fees for Rs. 250 per person per month. Teachers include me, Richa, Rapten and Sanghamitra, a student from Woodstock who volunteered at Mauka during her winter vacations. She was voted as the best teacher by all our students!

Through November-December, the classes went on full of fun and enthusiasm, with our first batch of girl students being remarkably punctual, perceptive (curious) and participatory in the lesson delivery. They made us think through our curriculum again! We in turn are quite excited to see their initiative, and are amazed to see what effort they have put in trying to understand English/ speak in English.

English! Every word is a new challenge, and the twists and turns of grammar make our students lose their way around too often! Early on in the classroom, we realized that we have to start with the 'absolute basics', as our students struggle with basic grammar and comprehension. So we are going back to junior school grammar with our students. We are also learning that teaching English is not an easy job at all! There are just so many challenges in explaining rules and usage!

For example;

• When to use 'will' and when to use 'shall'?

• What is the difference between 'has' and 'have?

• Where to use 'will' and where to use 'would'?

We knew it would be fun and challenging, and the camaraderie in the class is making us try to do the best in our search for the most convincing and easy to understand answers! Recently we have started basic computer classes with few students who are regular in class. We plan to use the computers to build English skills, for instance, get our students to 'write' assignments on the computer, where they can edit spellings, learn from the dictionary etc.

Also we realized that it takes a lot more to learn English than just attending a class. What seems to be a key factor is also the general level of confidence. Some students are bravely fighting their under confidence, and some just give up after a few sessions. We had a couple of drop-outs who felt challenged by the task and gave up early on. We are still encouraging them to think it through and have told them that we are open for them whenever they feel they are ready.

Though our fees itself is nominal (Rs. 250 per month), some of our students have also expressed difficulties in paying even that amount. For girls in particular, as they are dependent upon their father/brothers for any form of expenditure, they find it difficult to pay the amount. So we have decided to split the fees in two instalments- whatever one can pay, we are ready to accept that amount. For the balance, we are encouraging them to make small craft items that we can buy from them, so that they can earn money themselves to pay for the fees as well as get some extra pocket money. Let us see how it works out.

Meanwhile Mauka involvement in the local door to door garbage campaign continues. We have been enthusiastically volunteering with awareness campaigns as well as collection of monthly dues. Our sister venture, Studio Alaya also has been getting notice in the local media. We were featured in the Dehradun section of the Times of India in October 2009. In December we had Jaya Jaitely, from the Dastkari Haat Samiti visit us. At our craft store, 'Studio Alaya' we were ready with new product designs for the season for which we received a very good response.

In late 2009, I was selected by the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship (www.fyse.org) a South Asia based forum for the Paragon Fellowship (www.paragon100.asia), which recognizes young social entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific region and provides them non-financial mentoring support to grow their initiatives. I hope that such opportunities will help build further linkages to expand my work.

We also had Commutiny friends visiting us in the last week of December! Manak and his friend Anthony came down to spend some time with me. It was good to see them. They visited our workshop and design studio and I enjoyed showing them around and having them meet all our people.